Firefighter

Forsyth County; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Forsyth County Department of Emergency Services is seeking a Firefighter in Winston-Salem, NC. The role performs firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical operations, supports fire prevention inspections and investigations, and responds to alarms and calls with high proficiency.

Requirements include Firefighter II Certification, EMT-Basic or higher, HazMat responder/operations, and a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Firefighter II Certification is required.
• EMT-Basic or higher is required.
• Hazardous Materials Responder/Operations certification required.
• Valid Driver's License is required.

Responsibilities

• Responds to fire alarms and operates firefighting equipment.
• Performs firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical operations.
• Assists in fire prevention inspections and fire origin investigations.
• Drives firefighting equipment and supports scene operations.
• Maintains equipment and facilities and prepares reports.
• Participates in training and keeps certifications up to date.

Skills

Firefighting knowledge

Rescue operations

Emergency medical

Communication skills

Physical stamina

Incident command

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Requirements

• Firefighter II Certification

General Statement of Duties

Forsyth County Department of Emergency Services has an opening for Firefighter. The Firefighter position performs firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical operations, assists in fire prevention inspections, and fire investigation activities, while also assisting Forsyth County fire and rescue organizations. The Firefighter receives and responds to fire alarms, medical calls, rescues, technical rescues, drives firefighting and rescue equipment, and operates such equipment at the scene of a fire or emergency call with a high level of proficiency. The Firefighter must execute orders of their supervisor and on scene incident command staff promptly and efficiently. Judgment and initiative are required in performing fire and rescue activities. The Firefighter will assist in yearly fire prevention inspections, as well as assist in fire origin and cause investigations. The Firefighter is expected to work a rotating shift to include nights, weekends, and holidays. The Firefighter may be called back for duty as deemed necessary by department administration.

Special Requirements

This position has been identified to interact with children and must comply with NC G.S. 153A-94.2(b) “requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity,must require the applicant, if offered the position, to be subject to a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI.” These checks must be conducted in accordance with G.S. 143B-1209.26, the statute which authorizes the SBI to provide a fingerprint-based state and national criminal record check to cities and counties.

Distinguishing Features

• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment used by various fire departments.
• Knowledge of current firefighting methods including combustible liquid and structural firefighting principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of salvage, overhaul, ventilation and fire rescue operations.
• Knowledge of current firefighting and rescue strategy and tactics dealing with aircraft/airport rescue and firefighting.
• Knowledge of all types of aircraft, airport facilities and capacities of apparatus and Equipment.
• Knowledge of current technical rescue strategy and tactics dealing with, but not limited to, motor vehicles, high/low angle, confined spaces, swift water, trench, and structural collapse.
• Basic understanding of fire investigation techniques and procedures
• Basic understanding of fire hazards commonly found during fire prevention inspections
• Knowledge of the geographic and street layout of Forsyth County and its various fire districts.
• Knowledge of, and ability to operate within the incident command system.
• Ability to wear self contained breathing apparatus and be comfortable with the resulting increased respiratory effort, decreased vision, and limited range of motion.
• Ability to maintain physical and mental fitness necessary to operate on emergency incidents for extended periods of time.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work under adverse conditions, atmospheres immediately dangerous to life and health, and at various heights while carrying gear and equipment in excess of 50 pounds.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Ability to maintain records, and prepare accurate reports and documentation.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, manuals, and code material.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment and annual medical exam adhering to the standards of NFPA 1582.
• Lifting over 100 lbs occasionally, 50-100 lbs. frequently or up to 20-50 lbs. constantly.

Education

Minimum Education and Experience
Graduation from High School or obtained a GED

Requirements

• Firefighter II Certification
• EMT-Basic or higher
• Hazardous Materials Responder/Operations
• Valid Driver's License

Preferred

• Emergency Vehicle Driver
• Technical Rescuer-General or General w/ Ropes
• NIMS
• ICs-700,800
• Class B Driver’s License or Equivalent
• IFSAC, ProBoard, National Registry, ability to obtain reciprocity, or equivalent certification may be considered in lieu of North Carolina certification***

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Receives and responds to fire alarms; drives firefighting equipment and operates it at the scene.
• Assists with fire operations in rescue, attack, extinguishment, salvage and overhaul activities.
• Responds to hazardous materials calls; determines chemicals involved and what precautions to take to minimize losses.
• Responds to emergency medical calls and operates at the North Carolina EMT Basic level and within protocols determined by the NC Office of EMS and Forsyth County Medical Director.
• Responds to rescue and technical rescue incidents and utilizes necessary resources to accomplish strategies and tactics set forth by incident commander or other supervisor.
• Performs a wide range of fire suppression activities at the fire scene; works closely with all Forsyth County emergency agencies.
• Ensures operational readiness of tools, equipment, and apparatus.
• Maintains facilities and grounds, apparatus, tools and equipment.
• Assists with fire prevention inspections of all county occupancies.
• Assists with fire origin and cause investigations.
• Prepares required reports and documentation.
• Actively participates in training classes, drills, and continuing education.
• Maintains all required training, certifications, and licenses.
• Maintains physical and mental fitness required to perform effectively as a firefighter.
• Understands and follows departmental and county policies.
• Performs all other assigned tasks of supervisors and command staff.
• Maintain a specific license such as a driver's license in good standing, without a lapse or loss of a privilege to drive in compliance with North Carolina law, and in compliance with applicable DOT standards for commercial motor vehicle drivers if required to perform job requirements.